As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
FARMING or AGRICULTURE (or their derivatives)
Include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
A.
Farming in all its branches and the cultivation
and tillage of the soil;
B.
Production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting
of any agricultural, aquacultural, floricultural, viticultural, or
horticultural commodity;
C.
Growing and harvesting of forest products upon
forest land and any other forestry or lumbering operations;
D.
Keeping, raising, and training of horses as
a commercial or recreational enterprise; for pleasure, therapy, and
4-H projects; and
E.
Keeping and raising of poultry, swine, cattle,
ratites (such as emus, ostriches and rheas) and camelids (such as
llamas and camels), and other domesticated animals for food, dairying,
recreation, 4-H projects or other agricultural purposes, including
bees.
[Amended 9-12-2020 ATM by Art. 19]
The Commission shall consist of five members
appointed by the Select Board. The Commission will consist of two
commercial agricultural enterprise operators (landowner or lessee)
or individuals from related professions and industries, with the primary
goal of promoting commercial agriculture. One of the remaining positions
must be representative of Boxford's recreational farming community
and the two remaining positions shall be appointed at-large. The Commission
must represent diversity of farming within the Town of Boxford. The
initial terms for Commission members shall be staggered: two members
for a term of three years, two members for a term of two years and
one member for a term of one year. Successive terms will be three-year,
appointments. In addition, up to five nonvoting associate members
shall be selected by the Commission for a term of one year to represent
Town boards and farming interests.
[Added 5-9-2006 ATM, Art. 28]
The Agricultural Commission Disclosure Notification
caused to be published in the Town of Boxford website, annual report,
or Town census:
"It is the policy of this community to conserve,
protect and encourage the maintenance and improvement of agricultural
land promotion of sustainable agriculture inclusive of the production
of food, and other agricultural products, and also for its natural
and ecological value. This disclosure notification is to inform buyers
or occupants that the property they are about to acquire or occupy
lies within a Town where farming activities may occur. Such farming
activities may include, but are not limited to, activities that cause
noise, dust and odors. Buyers or occupants are also informed that
the location of property within the Town may be impacted by recreational
and commercial agricultural operations, including the ability to access
water services for such property under certain circumstances."
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"Buyers or occupants should also note that the
Town of Boxford owns extensive parcels of land that may be used for
recreational and agricultural purpose. In addition, an extensive trail
network on public and private lands exists and connects to most of
these Town owned parcels."
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"The Town of Boxford is supportive of farming,
dedicated to the preservation of open space, and ardent in preserving
its rural charm for future generations."
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